2005 Pontiac Pursuit

The 2005 Pontiac Pursuit was a compact car offered in both coupe and sedan body styles. Engine options included a 2.2L Ecotec inline-4 producing 145 horsepower and 155 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission. Drivers generally appreciated the Pursuit for its fuel efficiency and sporty handling, while common criticisms included its somewhat bland interior and occasionally unreliable electronics.

Engine

2.2L Ecotec Inline-4

• Intake Manifold Gasket Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, engine misfires, check engine light illuminated (often with codes P0171 or P0174).
  • Solution: Replace the intake manifold gasket.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found
• Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Engine stalling, rough running, difficulty starting, check engine light illuminated.
  • Solution: Replace the camshaft position sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $150
  • Recalls: None Found
• Throttle Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic idle, stalling, hesitation upon acceleration. Often requires cleaning.
  • Solution: Cleaning or replacement of the throttle body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or jerky shifts between gears, slipping out of gear.
  • Solution: Could range from fluid change to a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (fluid change) - $2,500+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Manual No Issues Found

Suspension

• Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll in corners, clunking noises over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace worn struts and/or shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per axle
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sway Bar Link Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps or turning.
  • Solution: Replace the sway bar links.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $80 - $200 per side
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Ignition Switch Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty starting the car, car stalling, key getting stuck in the ignition.
  • Solution: Replace the ignition switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $350
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Motor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows failing to operate, or operating intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty power window motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $300 per window
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Rust
  • Description/Symptoms: Rust forming on the lower body panels, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels.
  • Solution: Repair or replace rusted panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Varies greatly depending on severity
• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility.
  • Solution: Seal the headlight housing or replace the headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$300+ per headlight

Interior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power door locks failing to operate, or operating intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $250 per door
  • Recalls: None Found
• Instrument Cluster Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Gauges failing to operate correctly, or flickering.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2005 Pontiac Pursuit has a range of common issues affecting various systems. Engine issues, particularly related to the intake manifold gasket and throttle body, are frequent. Suspension and electrical problems, such as strut failure and ignition switch issues, also occur regularly. The severity and cost of these issues can vary widely, with some repairs being relatively inexpensive while others, such as transmission rebuilds or instrument cluster replacements, can be quite costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and thoroughly inspect any prospective purchase.